ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
President's Secretariat
President of India in Japan; attends Enthronement Ceremony of Emperor Naruhito
Addresses Indian Community in Tokyo; says India offers Immense Opportunities for its Diaspora to Participate in India’s Progress and Prosperity
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind reached Tokyo, Japan, yesterday  in the final leg of his visit to two nations - Philippines and Japan.
Today , the President attended the enthronement ceremony of the Emperor Naruhito of Japan in the Imperial Palace.
On the sideline of the enthronement ceremony, the President met President Bidya Devi Bhandari of Nepal. During the discussions, the President said that continuously expanding and strengthening partnership with Nepal is a priority for our government. It is in consonance with India’s vision to promote economic growth and prosperity in the neighbourhood. He said that India values its development partnership with Nepal. India is committed to support Nepal in its economic growth and development as per the priorities set by the Government of Nepal.
Later in the evening, the President addressed the members of Indian diaspora in Tokyo at a reception hosted by Shri Sanjay Kumar Verma, Ambassador of India to Japan.
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that India is on a transformational path. Our economy is growing at a fast rate. We are creating new infrastructure apace. We are making efforts to lead the world on digital economy, on new technologies, on climate change action and on fashioning the contours of the knowledge society. India offers immense opportunities for Indian Diaspora to participate in our progress and prosperity. He said that India seeks their support and commitment to create an India of our vision and dream, an India that promises to light millions of homes with progress and prosperity; an India that cares for one and for all.
The President said that our cultural relations with Japan are deep and historic. We share spiritual and religious connections, from Buddhism to Hinduism and more. Our strategic, political, security and economic collaboration has assumed a new high. Japan is a lead partner for us in transforming our economy. Their participation in the High Speed Rail project from Mumbai to Ahmedabad is a symbol of our deep mutual trust and friendship. To deepen our technology collaboration, we have established the India-Japan Digital Partnership.
Yesterday , the President visited the Tsukiji Hongwanji Buddhist Temple and planted a sapling from Bodh Gaya. He also visited the Shinto Meiji Shrine and interacted with a delegation from the Gotemba Pagoda.
Click here to see the President's speech
Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Ministry of Tribal Affairs has sanctioned Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum in 10 States
On the occasion of Azadi Ka Amrit Maohotsav, 75th year of celebrations of Indian Independence, Ministry of Tribal Affairs has asked all the State Governments and State Tribal Research Institutes  to compile the list of tribal freedom fighters, who struggled against the foreign colonial government.
Ministry of Tribal Affairs has sanctioned Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum in 10 States, including Manipur, under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of ’Support to Tribal Research Institutes’ to acknowledge the contribution of the tribals who struggled against the British colonial Government. As a mark of acknowledging the role of the tribal freedom fighters, the foundation stone of a Tribal Freedom Fighter Museum at Tamenglong District has been laid in Manipur in the name of eminent tribal freedom fighter Rani Gaidinliu, who fearlessly fought against the colonial Government for the rights of tribal people.
This information was given by Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Smt. Renuka Singh Saruta in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Road Accidents
Road accidents occur due to multiple causes such as over speeding, use of Mobile phone, drunken driving/consumption of alcohol / drug, overloaded Vehicle, vehicular condition, poor light condition, jumping red light, overtaking, neglect of civic bodies, weather condition, fault of driver, driving on wrong side, defect in road condition, defect in condition of motor vehicle, fault of cyclist, fault of pedestrian etc. However, no separate data/record is maintained for accident occurring due to road engineering. Further, as per data available, the total number of road accidents possible due to potholes during the period from 2019 to 2020 is as under :
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Number of Accidents due to potholes
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2019
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2020
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4775
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3564
Ministry is implementing Integrated Road Accident Database  which has already been rolled out for live data entry in fourteen States i.e. Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Odisha, Mizoram, Puducherry, Meghalaya, Goa & Kerala and shall be extended to all states. Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is under the process of Establishment of National Road Safety Board. The board shall be responsible for advising Centre and States on promoting road safety, innovation and adoption of new technology and for regulating traffic and motor vehicles.
The executing agencies for the construction of roads mainly follow Indian Road Congress  standards/codes including Ministry of Road Transport and Highways Specifications/guidelines, which are periodically revised to keep them updated in-line with international standards.
As per information available with the Ministry, the institute of driving training institute in Telangana has been recently inaugurated in July, 2021. The details of refresher training conducted in Andhra Pradesh for drivers of heavy vehiclesduring the last three years is as under : -
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State
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2017-18
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2018-19
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2019-20
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ANDHRA PRADESH
Driving Training Institute - Vijaywada
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701
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549
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705
The scheme of National Highway Accident Relief Service Scheme  was to provide the Cashless Insurance and support for ambulances and cranes. After the passage of Motor Vehicles  Act, 2019, the Cashless Insurance has become a mandatory provision under the law. The scheme related to National Highway Accident Relief Service Scheme  has been discontinued beyond 31st March, 2017.
This information was given by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
Special Service and Features
HUDCO Posts Robust Financial Results in 2019-2020
Shri M. Nagaraj, CMD, HUDCO  shared the highlights of HUDCO’s robust performance in 2019-2020, wherein the company has recorded Outstanding financial results in its Golden Jubilee Year witnessing a 45% growth in Net Profit that has touched an all-time high of Rs 1708.42crore in 2019-2020, from Rs 1180.15 crore in 2018-2019. HUDCO has seen a 13% growth in its net worth that has reached Rs 12343.49 crore in 2019-20, from Rs 10955.77 crore in 2018-2019. The net total income also witnessed a quantum jump of 35% to Rs 7571.64 crore in 2019-2020, from Rs 5591.22 crore in 2018-2019.
Further, Shri D. Guhan, Director , has shared that HUDCO Board has also approved an all-time high dividend of Rs 3.10 per share subject to approval by the shareholders. The above includes interim dividend of Rs 0.75 per share paid in March, 2020. The total dividend recommended by the Company is Rs 620.59 croreas against Rs 165.16 crore in the previous year.
Further, HUDCO’s Net NPA is 0.19%, which is among the lowest in the sector.During the year 2019-2020, HUDCO’s emphasis was on sanction of projects pertaining to Housing-PMAY , Expressways and Water Supply projects, according to a press release issued by the HUDCO office, New Delhi.
Ministry of Power
Cabinet approves investment proposal for transmission component of Arun-3 Hydro Electric Project  by Sutlej Jal Vikas Nigam Limited
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved investment for Transmission Component of Arun-3 Hydro Electric Project for an estimated cost of Rs. 1236.13 crore at June 2017 Price level.
The current approval is for Investment approval of 400 kV D/C Diding  - Bathnaha  via Dhalkebar  Transmission Line of approximately 217 KM falling within the territory of Nepal to evacuate power from Arun-3 HEP in Nepal.
Employment generation of around 400 persons is envisaged in construction of transmission component of the project.
Impact:
The project will provide surplus power to India strengthening economic linkages with Nepal. The power from the project shall be exported from Dhalkebar in Nepal to Muzaffarpur in India.
Background:
The Arun-3 Hydro Electric project  is located on Arun River in Sankhuwasabha District of Eastern Nepal. The Run-of-River scheme envisages about 70 mtr. high concrete gravity dam and Head Race Tunnel  of 11.74 Km. with underground Power House containing four generating units of 225 MW each on Left Bank.
SJVN limited bagged the project through International Competitive Bidding. An MoU was signed between Government of Nepal and SJVN Limited for the project in March, 2008 for execution on Build Own Operate and Transfer  basis for a period of 30 years including five years of construction period. The Project Development Agreement  signed in November, 2014, which provides 21.9% free power to Nepal for the entire concession period of 25 years.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in its meeting held in February, 2017 approved the investment proposal for generation component of Arun-3 HEP  in Nepal for an estimated cost of Rs. 5723.72 crore at May 2015 Price Level.
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Government to implement recommendations of the Inter-Ministerial Committee that made several recommendations regarding Exploration in Petroleum and Gas sector
The Government is in the process of implementing the recommendations of the high level Inter-Ministerial Committee that has made several specific recommendations regarding the exploration in the Petroleum and Gas sector. While presenting the Interim Budget 2019-20 in Parliament today the Union Minister for Finance, Corporate Affairs, Railways and Coal Sh. Piyush Goyal said “India's import dependence on crude oil and natural gas has been a source of big concern to our Government. While we have taken a large number of measures to moderate the increasing demand through usage of bio fuel and alternate technologies, urgent action is needed to increase hydrocarbon production to reduce imports.” The Committee’s recommendations include transforming the system of bidding for exploration and changing from revenue sharing to exploration programme for Category-II and III basins.
Connections under Ujjwala Yojana
The Interim Budget says that more than six crore connections have already been given under the Ujjwala Yojana. Shri Goyal said “In our Election Manifesto, we had promised that we will transform the quality of life of women in rural India by providing cleaner fuel. For securing the health of every homemaker in rural areas and to ensure that she does not have to shed tears for cooking food to nourish her family, our Government embarked upon a programme to deliver 8 crore free LPG connections under the Ujjwala Yojana. More than 6 crore connections have already been given and the remaining will get free gas connections by next year. Ujjwala is a remarkable success story of our Government programme, defined by a bold yet practical Vision of a responsible and compassionate leadership.”
Petroleum Subsidies
The Interim Budget has provided Rs. 37,478 crore as Petroleum subsidy in 2019-20 Budget estimates compared to Rs. 24,933 crore provided in the Budget estimates of 2018-19.
Import of POL
The statement laid under the FRBM Act, along with the budget documents, states that Imports of petroleum, oil and lubricants  increased by 42.9 percent in April-December 2018 to US$ 108.1 billion from US$ 75.7 billion in the corresponding period of the previous year, mainly on account of rise in international crude oil prices.
12 States/UTs Voluntarily surrender PDS Kerosene allocations
It further states that 12 State Governments/UTs  have voluntarily surrendered their PDS kerosene allocations under Direct Benefit Transfer in Kerosene  Scheme. As on date, 8 State Governments/UTs have already cut down their PDS Kerosene allocation to nil. In the year 2018-19 , the allocation for PDS Kerosene has been maintained at the level of the corresponding period of the previous year  except for the States voluntarily surrendering their PDS SKO quota.
YB
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Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
India reports 1.20 lakh Daily New Cases in last 24 hours, lowest in nearly two months
Less than 2 lakh Daily New Cases for 9 continuous days
With 15,55,248 Active Cases, the Caseload is below 20 lakhs for five successive days
Daily Recoveries continue to outnumber the Daily New Cases for 23rd consecutive day
Recovery Rate increases to 93.38%
Daily Positivity Rate further dips to 5.78%, continues the trend of less than 10% positivity for 12 continuous days
More than 36.5 lakh vaccine doses administered in last 24 hours
India has reported 1,20,529 Daily New Cases in the last 24 hours, its lowest in almost two months . The country has recorded less than 2 lakh Daily New Cases for 9 continuous days now. This is a result of collaborative efforts by the Centre and the States/UTs.
India has been witnessing a continuous fall in the active caseload.The country’s Active Caseload today stands at 15,55,248. The Caseload is below 20 lakhs for five successive days.
A net decline of 80,745 is witnessed in the last 24 hours and active cases are now only 5.42%of the country's total Positive Cases.
India’s Daily Recoveries continue to outnumber the Daily New Cases for the 23rd consecutive day. 1,97,894 recoveries were registered in the last 24 hours.
77,365 more recoveries were reported during the last 24 hours as compared to the daily new cases.
Out of the people infected since beginning of the pandemic 2,67,95,549 people have already recovered from COVID-19 &1,97,894 patients have recovered in the last 24 hours. This constitutes an overall recovery rate of 93.38%, which is showing an increasing trend.
A total of 20,84,421 tests were conducted in the last 24 hours in the country and cumulatively India has conducted over 36.1 crore  tests so far.
While on one side testing has been enhanced across the country, a continued decline in weekly case positivity is noticed. Weekly Positivity Rate is currently at 6.89% while the Daily Positivity rate stands at 5.78% today. It has remained less than 10% for 12 consecutive days now.
The cumulative number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the country has exceeded 22.78 Cr today under the Nationwide Vaccination Drive. 36,50,080 vaccine doses were administered in the last 24 hours.
A total of 22,78,60,317 vaccine doses have been administered through 32,00,677 sessions, as per the provisional report till 7 am today.
These include:
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HCWs
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1st Dose
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99,45,863
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2nd Dose
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68,41,480
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FLWs
|
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1st Dose
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1,60,57,349
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2nd Dose
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86,38,798
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Age Group 18-44 years
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1st Dose
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2,59,69,460
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2nd Dose
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1,19,137
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Age Group 45 to 60 years
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1st Dose
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6,97,94,194
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2nd Dose
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1,11,93,705
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Over 60 years
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1st Dose
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6,01,85,472
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2nd Dose
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1,91,14,859
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Total
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22,78,60,317
Cabinet
Cabinet approves Memorandum of Cooperation between India and Finland on Environmental Cooperation
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modihas approved Memorandum of Cooperation between India and Finland on Environmental Cooperation. The Memorandum of Cooperation will enable establishment and promotion of closer and long-term cooperation between the two countries in the field of environment protection and management of natural resources on the basis of equity, reciprocity and mutual benefits, taking into account the applicable laws and legal provisions in each country.
The Memorandum of Cooperation is expected to bring in the latest technologies and best practices suited for bringing about better environment protection, better conservation, and better management of climate change and wildlife protection/conservation.
The areas of cooperation under this Memorandum of Cooperation shall include:
- Air and water pollution prevention and purification, remediation of contaminated soils;
- Waste management including hazardous wastes, and waste-to-energy technologies;
iii) Promotion of circular economy, low-carbon solutions and sustainable management of natural resources including forests.;
iv) Climate change;
v) Environmental and Forest monitoring and data management;
vi) Conservation of Marine and Coastal Resources;
vii) Integrated water management of Oceanic/Sea Islands; and
viii) Any other areas jointly decided upon.
Background:
The concerns of rising environmental issues are not limited to any country but pose a serious challenge to the entire Globe. India is one of the emerging economies in the world with vast coastline and rich bio-diversity. Finland's main environmental issues are air and water pollution, and the preservation of its wildlife. Finland's principal environmental agency is the Ministry of the Environment, established in 1983. Industrial pollutants from within the country and surrounding countries affect the purity of both the nation's air and water supplies. It also faces challenges like water pollution and increased demand for natural resources. Both the Countries face many environmental challenges like waste water management, conservation of threatened species, control of air and water pollution and increased demand for natural resources.
In view of the urgency to check: the growing environmental concerns both the countries have decided to join hands to establish and promote closer and long term cooperation in the field of environment protection and management of natural resources and bring in the latest technologies and best practices suited towards better environmental protection.
Special Service and Features
Tamil Nadu Dr.Ambedkar Law University topped the charts in the prestigious Philip C Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition – India and Asia Regional Rounds, 2021
A team of five students, Ms.Huda Syed, Mr. Harikrishna Palaniyappan, Ms.Meenakshi Annamalai, Ms.Sonu Mehta.S and Mr.Suvethan G.S, from the School of Excellence in Law, The Tamil Nadu Dr.Ambedkar Law University topped the charts in the prestigious Philip C Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition – India and Asia Regional Rounds, 2021 held in the month of February 2021. They were ranked the 1st amongst 50 teams that represented various law schools from across the nation and the continent.
Competing with highly teams from the National Law Schools in India and other International teams from Asia Judged by eminent luminaries from the United Nations and experts in the field of Public International Law, the team emerged 1st in the preliminary rounds and 3rd in the overall competition. Mr.Harikrishna Palaniyappan, known for his eloquence in speaking, was awarded the 2nd Best Oralist award amongst 100 plus highly competitive mooters from across the Asian region.
The team was a combination of final year and pre-final year students who are some of the most highly regarded mooters of their University. A commendable fact about the team is that, they are all first-generation law students who believe in reviving their passion whenever it wanes and in going an extra mile with the hopes of seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
The Journey for this moot began way back in April, 2020. They had to pass many stages in order to represent their University in the National and Global rounds. Despite the lockdown and quarantine, the team made maximum efforts to stay connected and motivate themselves each day to meet internal deadlines. They reached out to many of their professors and seniors who supported them morally and academically. Self-learning was one of the tools to our victory, claimed the team.
After nearly a decade, a team from a non- National Law School from South India is representing India in the Global rounds of the prestigious Jessup competition which is regarded as the world cup of moots. This is also the first time that SOEL has bagged the Best-Oralist award in the prestigious competition. The moot is on-going and currently the team is representing India in the Global battle field. This is definitely an inspiring story for every law student who wants to achieve, according to a press release issued by Shri V. Balasubramanian, Public Relations Officer/Public Information Officer, The Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University, Chennai.
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
3rd Annual Edition Of International SME CONVENTION, 2023 to be held in New Delhi from 19th – 21st March
The 3rd annual edition of the International SME Convention 2023  is going to be organized jointly by the Ministry of MSME & Ministry of External Affairs , India SME Forum, along with Govt. of Madhya Pradesh as a Key State Partner and Govt. of Uttar Pradesh as Associate State Partner. International Network for SMEs  and World Union of Small and Medium Enterprises  are the international partners and TATA AIA is the insurance partner for the ISC 2023 from 19th – 21st March 2023in New Delhi.
Shri Narayan Rane, Union Minister for MSME will be the chief guest for the inaugural event with Guests of Honour- Shri Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma, Minister of State for MSME & Dr. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, Minister of State, Ministry of External Affairs, Shri Om Prakash Saklecha, Minister of MSME & Science & Technology, Govt. of MP and Shri Rakesh Sachan, Minister of MSME, Khadi, Village Industries, Sericulture & Textile, Govt. of UP along with presence of senior officers from Central and State Governments.
This year ISC, 2023 is expecting the participation of 1500+ SMEs with the main focus areas being India's major four Sunrise Sectors, which are Cleantech & Green Energy, Manufacturing, Services Sector and Agro food Processing & Agri Implements sector.
There will be several panel discussions that will aim to provide actionable insights and recommendations for building sustainable ecosystems for MSMEs and Plugging SMEs into Global Value Chains, by building strategic partnerships, leveraging digital platforms, focusing on innovation, complying with standards and regulations, and accessing finance.
This edition will also feature 2 days packed sessions at conference, 3 days power business breakfast & networking with like-minded, successful entrepreneurs and business leaders.
PIB Headquarters
Dr Gopalakrishnan, Dr Imelda Joseph Receive Rajbhasha Award for Best Article in Hindi
Kochi: Dr A Gopalakrishnan, Director of the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute  and Dr Imelda Joseph, Head of Mariculture division of the CMFRI received the Rajbhasha Gaurav award instituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs for the best articles in Hindi. Vice President Venkaiah Naidu presented the award at function held in New Delhi in the presence of Minister of Home Affairs Rajnath Singh.
The article titled ‘mariculture technologies for doubling of income of fishermen’, which was jointly authored by Dr Imelda Joseph and Dr A Gopalakrishnan, won the second prize in all India level. The article was originally published in ‘Matsyagandha’, an in-house Hindi magazine of the CMFRI.
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